Powerball jackpot hits $538 million; what a winner takes home

Forbes says the advertised jackpot is not what a winner pockets once the lump sum and federal taxes are counted; the sign always flatters the number.

On air: Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger on BBN Newsroom
Published 3:35 PM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Forbes: “Powerball Jackpot Reaches $538 Million—Here’s What A Winner Would Take Home After Taxes”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 3:35 PM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger.

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

ForbesPowerball Jackpot Reaches $538 Million—Here’s What A Winner Would Take Home After Taxes

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe Powerball jackpot has climbed to five hundred thirty-eight million dollars, and Forbes ran the math on what a winner actually takes home after taxes.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIt is less than the number on the sign.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe lump sum is smaller than the jackpot, and then the tax bill comes for a share of that too.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBut it is still a pile of money!
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorYou could pay off your credit card, your rent, and every group dinner you have ever split unevenly!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorYou could. That jackpot would fit on a phone, so I'm giving it one Sphere-sized screen, and only because of the zeros.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnd you only need a two-dollar ticket and a dream.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAnd a dream of a smaller number than the one they print.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorI'd still cash it. I'd take it in a wheelbarrow, with a little flag on it.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe wheelbarrow is the only part of the plan I support.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorGloria Vance has the world headlines, and I hope there is a jackpot in there somewhere.